Highlighting Reiko Narita: A Trailblazing Accounting Professional in Japan's Industry

Celebrating Reiko Narita: A Pioneer in Accounting

In the recently published 80th issue of Accountant's Magazine by Jusnet Communications, a subsidiary of Creek and River Co., Ltd., we delved into the inspiring career of Reiko Narita, a partner at EY Japan. With over 35 years in the accounting profession, her story is one of determination and excellence.

Reiko Narita's journey into accounting was influenced by her mother, a pharmacist, who encouraged her to attain practical skills for women. This motivation led her to pursue the path of becoming a certified public accountant. Despite facing setbacks during her college entrance exams, she ultimately succeeded in passing the CPA exam with top honors at a time when the pass rate was around a mere 10%.

Her acceptance letter arrived in the autumn of her final undergraduate year, and shortly thereafter, in February 1990, she commenced her career at the then Ota Showa Audit Corporation. Among roughly 100 new hires, only about ten were female, placing her in a rare and challenging position. Here, she honed her skills and established a robust foundation for her future.

After seven years, Reiko switched departments, allowing her to contribute more significantly to the industry through various association activities, including compiling the 'Accounting Handbook' as part of the publishing committee. Her dedication was recognized in 2003 when she became a partner at EY. Since the mid-2000s, she has been active in professional societies, including serving as a director and auditor for the Japanese Society for Audit Research and the Japanese Internal Control Research Society.

"Since I joined the firm, I have never considered switching jobs or pursuing independence. As the organization grew, my work environment evolved too, allowing me to witness my personal development, which is a vital part of my career," she reflects on her lengthy tenure.

As Reiko prepares to move on from EY Japan in June 2026, she is poised to embrace new challenges. What message does she wish to impart to upcoming accountants? Reiko's insights are rooted in her personal journey, emphasizing resilience, continuous learning, and adaptation.

This latest magazine issue also features interviews with accounting professionals in public companies, as well as profiles of future stars in audit firms. Readers are encouraged to explore various facets of the accounting industry, gaining perspectives that extend beyond numbers and spreadsheets.

The Accountant's Magazine continues to serve as a crucial platform for accounting professionals, officers from publicly listed companies, CFOs, financial managers, and aspiring CPAs. With a circulation of 11,000 copies, it aims to connect and inspire all stakeholders within the accounting landscape.

For more information about Accountant's Magazine, visit the official website here. To reach the editorial team, please contact: [email protected].

You'll find the latest discussions on prominent figures in accounting, the future of audit firms, and expert opinions on crucial industry topics in this issue. Don't miss out on exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of accounting.